Tag: book

Do you make new year resolutions? The idea of resolving to do better next year always feels a bit like not trying hard enough in the past twelve months. I much prefer to reflect on the years achievements and successes and use those good vibes to inspire future actions.

The first week in January feels like a good time to start something new. So, I’ve decided to start writing a regular blog. Here we go…..!!

Do you make new year resolutions? The idea of resolving to do better next year always feels a bit like beating myself with a stick for not trying hard enough in the past twelve months. I much prefer to reflect on the years achievements and successes and use those good vibes to inspire future actions.

On New Year’s Eve 2017, I took one of those online personality quizzes. The purpose of which was to define three key words, or ‘character strengths’, to inspire my actions for the coming year. I was surprisingly pleased with the results. My words were very positive traits and really felt like ‘me’. This week, I’ve been thinking about how I’ve used those words to inspire me.

CREATIVITY – After wanting to write a book about teaching creative skills for several years, I decided to self-publish my book ‘Teach What You Do’. It was the most enormous learning curve and I now know more about page number options and margin alignment than I ever thought possible. And, as if writing and publishing a book wasn’t stressful enough. I set myself a really challenging deadline for launching the book at The Handmade Fair in September. I’ll admit there were many nights when I thought I wouldn’t do it, that I didn’t know how to do it but I just kept going and guess what? I did it. The sense of achievement was enormous. It’s only a little book but for me this was one of the greatest creative projects of my life. Read More

CURIOSITY – I discovered in 2018 that I love taking photos. Instagram has been a wonderful platform to share my new passion for photography. I now have a reason to notice the little things. the light on a leaf, a fascinating facade and snap endless images to edit, adjust and notice all over again. Keeping curious about the world around me has been a gift I hope will last a lifetime. Like to see more of my photos? Follow me on Instagram

ZEST – (dict. – with great enthusiasm and energy) I LOVE being so busy. I can’t believe how many classes I taught last year and how many amazing new adventures I’ve had. Sure, sometimes I feel quite exhausted but I am so grateful for every opportunity and there’s still so much more I want to do. A couple of times this year I’ve been accused of being too enthusiastic, so clearly this is something I need to watch (is there such a thing as too enthusiastic?)

GRATITUDE – I said there were three words but after Zest, Gratitude came a very close, and very important fourth. It’s wonderful to realise ambitions, meet new people and visit new places but all of this means nothing without acknowledging how immensely fortunate I’ve been and how incredibly grateful I am for everything I have. And I mean everything.

If you’d like to try the quiz and find your own words to inspire you in 2019 pop over to the VIA Institute website and click the free survey link.

I’d love to know your three words if you’d like to share?

Thanks for reading my first blog. Do let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your thoughts…. Email me now